This adorable, embellished turkey t-shirt looks cute and is fun and easy to make. The simple appliqued design is made using the Fiskars’ shape templates and by switching patterns and color schemes, it would look great on a tee for a girl or a boy. It’s also a great way to use up some of those small fabric scraps we all have lying around.

Thanksgiving Turkey T-Shirt

By Emma Jeffery

Difficulty level

Intermediate

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This adorable, embellished turkey t-shirt looks cute and is fun and easy to make. The simple appliqued design is made using the Fiskars’ shape templates and by switching patterns and color schemes, it would look great on a tee for a girl or a boy. It’s also a great way to use up some of those small fabric scraps we all have lying around.

Tools used

Circle Shape Template (8 1/2" x 11")

Item #: 48507097F

$5.59

Cut the perfect shape for your project!

Ideal for cutting out embellishments for cards, collages, scrapbook pages, decorations and other craft projects

Great for creating custom stencil patterns, masks or windows on cards or scrapbook pages

Available in a wide variety of styles for any occasion or sentiment

Select styles include edges that can be used to cut decorative borders

Transparent templates let you see where you are cutting so you don’t waste craft paper

Supply list

T-shirtAssorted fabrics with a mix of patterns and solidsAdhesive fabric spray or fusible fabric bondEmbroidery floss and needle

I used my Fiskars Oval template to cut five ovals measuring 3” x 4” from assorted fabrics. I cut three patterned prints and one solid cotton to make an alternating pattern for the turkey’s wings.

Next, I used the Fiskars Circles template to make the turkey’s body. I used the 1.5“ circle for the head and the 2.5“ circle for the body. I drew in the turkey’s neck to connect the head and the body and cut it out.

It is important to adhere the wings to the t-shirt with an adhesive before sewing the fabric pieces to the t-shirt because pins will NOT hold the design in place and your jersey WILL ruffle up in all directions. Apply a fabric bond to the wrong side of the wings and position centrally on the front of the t-shirt. I used a fusible fabric bond, but you could also use an adhesive fabric spray to hold the applique onto the front of your shirt as you sew.

I sewed a small zig zag stitch close to the edge of each of the wings. The fabric on the edge of the stitching will fray as the top is worn and washed, so stitch close to the edge for a neat look.

I embroidered the turkey’s face with two French knots for eyes and a little orange beak. To make a French knot, first bring the needle through the back to the front of the fabric. Hold the needle against the fabric and wrap the floss around the needle 3 times. Insert the needle back through the fabric very close to where it came up and pull the floss all the way through.

When you have finished the turkey’s features, apply fabric bond to the back of the head and body as before and stick it to the wings before sewing onto the front of the design. I couldn't resist the temptation to add the word ‘gobble’ to the bottom of my t-shirt, so I used the letter templates to write the word backwards directly onto the fabric.

After I cut the letters out, I sewed them onto the front of the shirt with a straight stitch.

I used a cotton canvas for mine, which will fray over time. For a different look, consider using a non-fraying fabric such as jersey, fleece or felt.

I put my design onto this t-shirt for my daughter, but the technique and design could be used on almost anything, just by using bigger or smaller template shapes. I think a set of turkey place mats, dishtowels or napkins would be a very appealing way to bring some Thanksgiving decor into your kitchen this year or putting the design onto a tiny baby onesie would be so sweet.